| dtewi said: A Religion is a set of morals that people stand by and is usually told through stories. Sometimes, the morals in the religion can harm others, while things that aren't harmful are considered immoral. Law is to protect the people. Religion is to protect yourself. |
Well, lets start with this. Religion creates a set of morals through various beliefs and views of the world. Someone who doesn't believe in that religion probably doesn't agree with everything the religion holds as true, so I can see why you say they shouldn't co-exist.
Ponder this however: Does Religion condemn murder? Does the Law? Yes to both. Does Religion condemn stealing? Does the Law? Yes to both. Does Religion prohibit sexual relations with family members? Does the Law? Yes to both.
So, they can co-exist. What you are arguing is that everyone should have equal treatment under the law, if I am not mistaken. Also, you think that the Law should not be formed by a Religion. I can go with that, to a point. What I think you are arguing and struggling with are the differences between Religion and current Societal "Norms" we see around us. Things like gay marriage. I do not want to talk about that in my conversation here. I am simply using it as an example.
In old days, Religion was the law. In today's world Religion simply helps form Law. The Society is slowly (rather quickly of late) becoming secular in every aspect. You believe the Law should reflect this. What happens when the Law is based solely on secular ideas from the society? Well, nothing. At least at first. What if the society changes its view on something rather basic, say, Freedom of Religion? In a secular society this would be acceptable if the majority of people agreed with it.
While that will not happen, God willing, it goes to say that there is a place for Religion in a society, and therefore the Law. You cannot seperate Religion and the Law, because everyone is influenced by their own religious views, including those that make the laws. That influence, in turn, translates to Religion affecting the creation of Laws.
What about Atheism you ask? How about Agnosticism? They are both religions. Atheism is the theology of No Theology. Agnosticism is the theology of "I dunno". They influence the Law as well. They attack the foundation of our Law the Ten Commandments by removing any reference to it in a court or school.
BTW, if you are not using Religion as a base starting point for Laws, what are you using? Public opinion?
Also, Religion is intended to hold people to a higher standard, even higher than the Law.
PS. I dislike using the word Religion that much, as it is a only collection of rules and the like. I prefer referring to each religion by name, eg. Christianity, Islam, Mormonism, Atheism, etc. In this way I can talk about each belief and not be restricted to talking about all religions generically.
There is much more I would like to expound upon and insert here, but I won't because it is a history lesson and not relavent to this topic.
